| The most important news about health equity, wellbeing, and their determinants. |
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Health Highlights
Welcome to Health Highlights, EuroHealthNet's monthly newsletter. We bring you the most important news and information about health, equity, wellbeing, and their determinants.
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Health inequalities are shortening lives by decades
WHO report calls for stronger action on social determinants of health
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The World report on social determinants of health equity is the first of its kind since 2008, when WHO set ambitious 2040 targets to reduce health inequalities within and between countries. The 2025 report warns that these goals are unlikely to be met and shows that factors like housing, education, and income continue to shape health outcomes more than genetics or access to healthcare.
The report presents 14 recommendations with country examples of practical policy responses. Measures that address income inequality, structural discrimination, and climate change and that exploit digitalisation and new governance systems, are key to overcoming health inequalities.
At the 78th World Health Assembly, WHO Member States adopted a historic resolution underscoring the essential role of social connection in promoting health and wellbeing. They also adopted the world's first Pandemic Agreement, set new voluntary targets for air pollution, and extended the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025 to support health system transformation.
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European Parliament Interest Group calls for EU action on health equity and prevention
The Interest Group is concerned about the social and commercial determinants of health
The European Parliament Interest Group on Health Inequalities, Prevention, and Risk Factors has launched its Declaration, calling for urgent EU-level action to tackle root causes and reduce health inequalities. Led by Parliament Members across the political spectrum, the group highlights the impact of non-communicable diseases—responsible for 80% of EU deaths—and persistent health inequalities.
Supported by Eurocare, EuroHealthNet, and EUPHA, the Interest Group also partners with European-wide initiatives such as the EU Joint Action PreventNCD. Amongst other actions, the Declaration calls for prioritising public health in the EU’s next long-term budget (MFF).
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Shaping the future EU budget
EU institutions and citizens call for a larger, fairer, and more flexible long-term EU budget
As preparations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034) have kicked off, both citizens and EU institutions are pressing for a more ambitious, socially just budget. At the final European Citizens’ Panel on the EU budget, participants called for equal access to healthcare, mental health support, reducing regional disparities, environmental protection, and inclusive education and labour markets.
In parallel, the European Parliament urged a larger and more flexible MFF with increased investment for cohesion policy, health systems, and the European Child Guarantee, as well as full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Echoing these calls, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) proposed to raise the MFF to 2% of the EU’s GDP and safeguard social investment amid competing priorities.
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EuroHealthNet Partnership
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Register for our 2024 Seminar on climate and health
This year, EuroHealthNet's Annual Seminar will explore how health can be used as an argument to spur climate action. The Seminar will take place in Brussels and online on 11 June, and will focus on three key questions:
- What is the evidence on the impact of climate change on health and health equity?
- What tools and practices are out there for getting everyone on board for climate action?
- How can policy initiatives across sectors and governance levels create a healthier planet?
While the number of in-person registrations has been filled, registration for online participation is still open.
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EuroHealthNet Magazine explores the Wellbeing Economy
The latest edition of EuroHealthNet Magazine asks what it would take to centre people and planet in economic policymaking.
The new edition brings together voices, evidence, and lived experiences from across Europe, demonstrating how our current system impacts our health and wellbeing and setting a vision for a better economic system.
The magazine is also available in an interactive flipzine format. |
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JA PreventNCD: A meeting of public health authorities
On 7 May, the Competent Authorities of the JA PreventNCD and partners met to strategise shared efforts to reduce the burden of cancer and non-communicable diseases in Europe. EuroHealthNet presented about the Joint Action’s crucial role in contributing to a European Health Union. The meeting also covered updates from the Youth Advisory Group and explored the concept of the Wellbeing Economy—both essential for building healthier, more equitable societies.
The entire JA PreventNCDs Consortium will get together at its Annual Meeting in Katowice, Poland, on 16-17 June.
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| New Schools4Health policy brief: why invest in health-promoting schools?
The Schools4Health initiative has launched a new policy brief that calls for integrating health and wellbeing in the whole school environment. The brief highlights evidence that healthier students learn better, outlines the six pillars of the Health Promoting School approach, and shares examples from across Europe. It also includes practical recommendations for policymakers, school leaders, and practitioners.
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| Health promotion and ‘supersettings’: share your views
EuroHealthNet is mapping real-world examples of supersetting infrastructures on behalf of its German member, the Federal Institute for Public Health. A short survey is open to professionals working across sectors (whether or not they use the term ‘supersetting’).
Insights will inform a forthcoming report on the topic, as part of the Joint Action PreventNCD. You can take the survey here until 13 June.
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EuroHealthNet responds to consultations
Read all our consultation responses here.
Open consultations:
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EIWH pushes for EU action on women's health
The Institute for Women's Health (EIWH) co-organised a roundtable event in the European Parliament, named 'Closing the Gap in Women’s Health Research'. Members of the European Parliament and civil society representatives — including EuroHealthNet — discussed concrete actions to prioritise women's health and research in upcoming EU initiatives.
EIWH is preparing an EU Women's Health Strategy, based on the roundtable and its EU Manifesto for Women's Health. The comprehensive and inclusive strategy will be launched at an online event on 24 June.
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Concerning nicotine use among youth in Flanders
New research by the Flemish Institute for Healthy Living reveals that, while youth smoking rates are declining, overall nicotine use remains steady among 12-18 year olds due to increased vaping. Notably, 13.8% of students both smoke and vape, 9.3% only vape, and 2% only smoke.
The analysis urges action to tackle smoking and vaping together and collect data on overlapping use. The institute also offers free materials to support parents, teachers, and schools in their fight against vaping.
Meanwhile, Many vapes confiscated in Flemish and Brussels secondary schools contain a form of synthetic cannabinoids called spice as well as far more nicotine than permitted under EU law — some with the equivalent of up to 300 cigarettes.
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Sweden leads on tackling AMR in primary healthcare
In collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Sweden, WHO/Europe has published the mission report ‘Mainstreaming antimicrobial resistance interventions into primary healthcare in Sweden’.
It outlines best practices contributing to Sweden’s low antimicrobial use, which include enabling policy and governance environment, high community awareness, robust data systems, and active stewardship programmes.
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More knowledge is needed to prevent and address gambling harm
The Gambling Expertise Centre of the Trimbos Institute in the Netherlands has mapped out the knowledge and support professionals need to tackle gambling problems effectively. There are key gaps in the understanding of gambling products, prevention tools, treatment options, and reliable data. New knowledge files, measuring tools, and training are underway to better support health, education, and policy professionals.
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Creative youth-led campaign for HPV awareness in Italy
Italy’s Institute for Health helped young people from four Italian regions write and perform a rap song to promote HPV vaccination. The initiative, part of the EU-funded Joint Action PERCH and launched during European Immunisation Week, combines creativity, science, and participation to build vaccine confidence and help reach the EU’s 90% HPV coverage target by 2030.
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More news from the Partnership
- EuroHealthNet provided evidence and policy inputs for strengthening the health aspects of the European Child Guarantee (ECG), including mental health, healthy eating, and reducing obesity. The brief contributes to the ongoing European Commission discussions about a stronger ECG.
- EuroHealthNet moderated a session on how the Wellbeing Economy can enhance public health at the Wellbeing Economy Forum.
- EuroHealthNet and EUPHA co-organised a webinar on tackling health inequalities at the local level as part of the European Public Health Week.
- At a conference by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Polish Presidency on accelerating progress towards SDG 3.3 targets on HIV, TB, hepatitis, and STIs, EuroHealthNet underscored the need to tackle persistent health inequities and social determinants of health, which continue to drive disproportionate burdens among marginalised groups.
- At the latest plenary of the Expert Group on Health Systems Performance Assessment, EuroHealthNet contributed to discussions on reducing health inequalities.
- PSLifestyle launched a series of policy briefs based on insights from its Lifestyle Test. Focusing on transport, food, housing, and consumption, the briefs outline key challenges and policy options to help make sustainable choices easier and more accessible.
- The BeWell project and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies have released two new policy briefs that urge investment in digital and green skills for Europe’s health and care workforce.
- RIVER-EU published articles, exploring the alarming resurgence of measles and identifying enablers of high vaccine uptake in underserved communities. It also contributed to an ECDC report on social and behavioural science approaches to promoting vaccination acceptance and uptake.
- Santé publique France has released the first volume of a new operational guide for expert trainers to support the development of psychosocial skills, especially cognitive, emotional, and social competencies.
- Public Health Wales and Cardiff University find that secondary school girls are twice as likely as boys to report problematic social media use. One in five girls said social media interferes with daily life, relationships, or hobbies.
- Lithuania’s 2017 alcohol excise tax increase led to fewer deaths, lower healthcare costs, and over €100 million in added tax revenue in one year. The return on investment is estimated at €420 for every €1 spent
- The Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, which is edited by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, covers research, policy, and best practices in the fields of public health and social sciences. Follow the Journal now on LinkedIn!
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News from the Institutions
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European Mental Health Week calls for investing in social rights
From 19–25 May, the sixth European Mental Health Week took place under the patronage of the European Parliament and the Polish EU Presidency. Led by Mental Health Europe, the campaign promotes a psychosocial approach to mental health and stronger use of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Mental Health Europe released a policy brief with recommendations for EU and national decision-makers.
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World Health Assembly adopts historic Pandemic Agreement
On 20 May, the 78th World Health Assembly adopted the first WHO Pandemic Agreement, following three years of negotiations triggered by lessons from COVID-19. The agreement aims to strengthen global preparedness and ensure equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics during pandemics.
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OECD and the European Council call to address the changing media landscape
A new OECD policy paper examines how digitalisation affects children’s wellbeing, highlighting disparities in use, risks of harmful content, media overuse, and safety concerns. It calls for stronger policies, cross-sectoral collaboration, and child-informed approaches to promote digital wellbeing.
New Council conclusion state that EU-wide rules governing television and on-demand services need to reflect the rapidly changing landscape for audiovisual media, including the rise of influencers and the spread of disinformation. The conclusions come ahead of the upcoming review of the audiovisual media services directive (AVMSD) in 2026.
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EU institutions propose priority areas for post-2027 cohesion strategies
EU ministers adopted a Joint Declaration on 21 May, urging a stronger territorial focus in post-2027 cohesion strategies. Cohesion strategies serve to reduce economic, social, and territorial disparities within the European Union.
The Joint Declaration identifies key priorities, including affordable housing, border regions, and Territorial Impact Assessments. The move aligns with the European Parliament’s call for a well-funded, partnership-based policy that supports just transitions and reduces regional disparities.
A recent mid-term review of the current Cohesion Policy by the Committee of the Regions agreed with the key priorities and called on the Commission to propose additional resources rather than relocate additional funds.
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EU moves forward on fair work and social resilience
The Commission has launched consultations with EU-level social partners on the forthcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap. The initiative aims to improve wages, working conditions, and job transitions and is expected towards the end of 2025.
In parallel, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted the first of a series of opinions on tackling the cost-of-living crisis. It calls for a structural shift in the EU’s economic model through a resilience monitoring system, stronger labour protections, and coordinated investment to support social cohesion and long-term competitiveness. EuroHealthNet was invited to the EESC hearing for the preparation of this opinion.
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Tackling alcohol harm across Europe
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has published a Handbook of Cancer Prevention, which confirms the effectiveness of certain policies, including taxation, pricing strategies, availability restrictions, marketing bans, and coordinated national strategies, in reducing consumption.
In parallel, on 8 May, WHO launched the European Health Alliance on Alcohol to reduce the unsustainable toll of alcohol harms in Europe.
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What we are reading...
Ageing The OECD report ‘Cities for All Ages’ explores how ageing and demographic shifts are reshaping urban life. It calls for strategies such as accessible urban design, age-friendly housing, and engaging both young and older people in labour and consumer markets.
Climate change The European Investment Bank has developed a tool to measure how climate change impacts health and increases demand for healthcare. It aims to support investment decisions by linking climate risks — like heatwaves and floods — to healthcare needs.
Equity in clinical practices A new paper outlines seven key principles to ensure health equity is systematically integrated into guideline development for clinical practices - Journal of clinical epidemiology
Fairness The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has published his 2025 report, outlining urgent actions to protect the wellbeing of future generations. The report stresses the need to prioritise long-term, preventative approaches in health, climate, food, and economic policies.
Foresight ECDC’s strategic foresight report outlines plausible public health futures up to 2040 and identifies five shared challenges, including climate change, social inequities, and digital transformation. The report recommends future-proof actions for preparedness across governance, communication, data, and workforce strategies.
Housing The European Council and Parliament have agreed on new EU rules to make population and housing statistics more complete, coherent, and comparable across Member States.
Mental health The Welsh Government’s new 10-year mental health strategy focuses on early intervention, prevention, and same-day access to care. The plan includes open-access services, a stepped care model, and links to community support through social prescribing.
Mental health Depression linked to psychosocial exposure at work annually costs the EU over €100 billion — mostly borne by employers — and 10,000 preventable deaths from cardiovascular disease – European Trade Union Institute
Mental health A new WHO/Europe policy paper highlights the transformative role of primary care in addressing mental health needs, especially among vulnerable populations, and provides four recommendations to strengthen primary care’s beneficial impact.
Nature-based solutions - A new WHO report highlights the potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to simultaneously address human health and environmental sustainability.
Nutrition The Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs will introduce updated nutrition rules for childcare institutions, focusing on healthier, more diverse meals that prioritise vegetables, berries, fish, and whole foods over added sugar and processed products.
Nutrition WHO/Europe calls on countries to adopt effective salt-reduction strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease. A new article highlights Portugal’s success and offers policy lessons from the JA PreventNCD project.
Nutrition A new European Commission study examines how health taxes on products high in fat, sugar, and salt are designed and implemented across 12 EU countries. It finds that, while such taxes can promote public health and raise revenue, inconsistent approaches between countries may limit their overall effectiveness.
Nutrition Norway’s new regulation bans marketing of high-sugar, high-fat, and high-salt products, like soft drinks, candy, and energy drinks, specifically targeted at children – Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services
Nutrition A new randomised trial finds that brief exposure to ads for unhealthy food across all media types leads to children consuming an average of 130 extra calories per day.
Nutrition New ‘ wellness-themed’ energy drinks’, marketed as sugar-free, vitamin-rich, and fitness-friendly, may obscure serious risks linked to high caffeine content, particularly for young people - STAT
Pollution New research suggests that early-life exposure to air pollution may negatively affect adolescents’ self-reported general health and increase hospital visits in young adulthood. Children from disadvantaged and ethnic minority backgrounds were disproportionately exposed to higher pollution levels – Nature
Pollution Low emission zones in Brussels and Antwerp reduced nitrogen dioxide pollution by up to 37% in five years. The benefits were greatest in deprived inner-city areas - Health and Environment Alliance
SDGs The WHO’s World Health Statistics 2025 report finds that global progress towards health-related SDG targets is insufficient. Recent gains in life expectancy have been reversed by COVID-19, rising morbidity from NCDs, and mental health conditions. The report also flags widening inequalities and persistent shortfalls in universal health coverage, immunisation, and access to care.
Skills The 2024 Pact for Skills survey results reveal that over 6.1 million people have received training since the Pact’s launch in 2020. More than 3,200 organisations are now members, working across sectors to address labour market needs – European Commission
Tobacco and vapes A recent systematic review finds mixed short-term effects of heated tobacco products on health markers and no clear advantage over (e)cigarettes. Most studies were short, industry-funded, and of high risk of bias – BMJ Tobacco Control
Trust A new review explores how worsening health and failing health systems contribute to declining trust in institutions and rising support for anti-democratic movements – The Lancet Regional Health Europe
Trust A 70-country survey from the Global Listening Project suggests that while trust in health systems has declined in most countries, doctors and local influencers remain key trusted voices. It highlights the urgent need for relationship-based communication strategies.
Vaccination Building on the 5Cs Model and WHO’s behavioural science framework, a new ECDC report offers practical, adaptable tools to help public health professionals understand and tackle behavioural barriers to vaccination across the life course.
Vaccination Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers has adopted the expansion of its national HPV vaccination programme to include boys and raise the eligibility age for girls.
Women’s health A new Delphi study identified key principles all physicians should know to improve women’s health outcomes, including symptom differences, medication effects, and how societal roles influence health. The authors call for integrating these findings into all levels of medical training – BMJ Public Health
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Events
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Protecting Health in a Changing Climate – Roundtable hosted by European Climate-Health Cluster – 3 June, Brussels
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Digital media and its impact on children and adolescents – livestreamed Nordic and EU expert meeting – 3 June, online
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EuroHealthNet Country Exchange Visit: Social Participation and Youth Engagement for Better Health (members-only)- 3-4 June, Ljubljana
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EU Green Week 2025: Circular solutions for a competitive EU – 3-5 June, Brussels
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The 2025 European Sustainable Energy Week – 10-12 June, Brussels and online
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EuroHealthNet Annual Seminar 2025: Climate change and health – 11 June, Brussels and online
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EuroHealthNet General Council Meeting (members-only) 12-13 June, Brussels
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JA PERCH - EU4Health Projects on HPV: Final Results. What’s the Next? – 12 June, Rome and online
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NASP Webinar: International Social Prescribing Showcase – 16 June, online
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European Social Services Conference: Where Care Meets Tech – 22-25 June, Aarhus
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27th Austrian Health Promotion Conference on 'Health for all! Health promotion – the path to the people' – 26 June, Salzburg (EuroHealthNet speaking)
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2nd World Conference on Migration, Ethnicity, Race and Health – 2-5 September, Lisbon
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European Forum for Primary Care Conference – 7-9 September, Vienna (EuroHealthNet speaking)
- Guidelines International Network: Innovation and Partnerships for Health in All Policies – 16-19 September, Geneva
- Launch of the EuroHealthNet-CHAIN Report on Social Inequalities in Health, hosted by the European Parliament Interest Group on Health Inequalities, Prevention and Risk Factors. Save the date! - 21 September, Brussels and online (organised by EuroHealthNet)
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European Health Forum Gastein – 30 September – 3 October, Gastein, (EuroHealthNet speaking)
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World Health Summit: Taking Responsibility for Health in a Fragmenting World – 12-14 October, Berlin and online
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18th European Public Health Conference: Investing for health and well-being – 12-14 November, Helsinki
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EuroHealthNet is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of EuroHealthNet only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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